Full Text View
Tabular View
No Study Results Posted
Related Studies
Effect of Acupuncture on Human Brain Activity
This study is currently recruiting participants.
Study NCT00200889   Information provided by National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
First Received: September 13, 2005   Last Updated: September 24, 2008   History of Changes

September 13, 2005
September 24, 2008
May 2005
May 2009   (final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
Brain activity during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) [ Time Frame: 1 hour ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
Brain activity; measured via fMRI throughout the study
Complete list of historical versions of study NCT00200889 on ClinicalTrials.gov Archive Site
 
 
 
Effect of Acupuncture on Human Brain Activity
Exploring Neurocircuitry of Acupuncture Action With fMRI

This study will determine how acupuncture affects human brain activity.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice involving the insertion of needles into specific parts of the body for therapeutic purposes. Although the practice has become more popular in the West, the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture have not been thoroughly examined. This study will determine how acupuncture affects human brain activity, particularly during deqi, a unique sensation experienced during acupuncture that is considered essential to the clinical effectiveness of the practice.

This study will comprise 2 clinic visits. At Visit 1, participants will be randomly assigned to receive manual acupuncture; electro-acupuncture, which passes an electrical current through the needles; or some type of sensory stimulation. At Visit 2, participants will again be randomly assigned to receive one of the three interventions. As participants receive their assigned intervention, they will undergo functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) brain scans. Participants will also have their heart rate monitored during the brain scans.

Phase 0
Interventional
Treatment, Randomized, Single Blind (Subject), Placebo Control, Crossover Assignment, Efficacy Study
Healthy
  • Procedure: Manual acupuncture
  • Procedure: Electro-acupuncture
  • Procedure: Sensory stimulation
 
 

*   Includes publications given by the data provider as well as publications identified by National Clinical Trials Identifier (NCT ID) in Medline.
 
Recruiting
60
May 2009
May 2009   (final data collection date for primary outcome measure)

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Right-handed

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Any condition contraindicating an fMRI brain scan
  • Any neurological or psychiatric disorders
  • Any pain syndromes
Both
18 Years to 55 Years
Yes
Contact: Lauren LaCount llacount@nmr.mgh.harvard.edu
United States
 
NCT00200889
Vitaly Napadow, Ph.D., Massachusetts General Hospital Dept. of Radiology
K01 AT002166-01
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
 
Principal Investigator: Vitaly Napadow, PhD Harvard University
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
September 2008

ICMJE     Data element required by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors and the World Health Organization ICTRP